Working on some law firm applications tonight and it sucks that I know that I am so capable and have a strong work ethic but firms can’t see beyond grades or the fact that I didn’t go to a t14 law school or prestigious undergrad. I’ve worked twice as hard and feel like I’ve barely even gotten half as much. It’s discouraging sometimes especially because I worked so hard with pretty much no guidance (first gen, poc, low-income) to get into college and do well and then get into a t30 law school

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Try finding another clerkship. Maybe appellate. I went to a law school that was so bad it got shut down a few years after I graduated. But I got a clerkship post grad and the. Another and now I’m at a firm that values my experience. Trust me you’ll appreciate the time you spend clerking and it only increases your value. Best of luck!

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Thank you! I’m at a state appellate court now. I might try for a federal clerkship but to be honest it’s just me and I have to help my mom out so the salary wouldn’t be ideal.

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Unfortunately most biglaw firms aren’t growing their litigation practices, so they can be more selective than corporate.

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I’m starting to realize this. It would be helpful if this were common knowledge to law students though

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Obviously I don’t expect anything to be handed to me but I wish someone could just take a chance on me and let me prove myself instead of writing me off (idk if that’s the case but that’s what it feels like)

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Please know that many of my classmates who biglaw was not interested in at graduation due to grades, were easily hired 3-7 years later after they got great experience elsewhere.

There are plenty of places to learn and become a good attorney Promise.

I know it's hard when the salary where you are is not in the same ballpark and you have loads of debt but you are learning and making valuable connections. Keep on!

I was in this same boat a couple months ago. I had an interview where the attorneys were doubting my capabilities because I had clerked for an appellate court and interned for judges instead of getting the “normal” attorney experience. My next interview my future boss was very impressed with my resume, grades, etc.

All of this to say someone is out there that will take the time to look at all of the experiences you’ve mentioned and respect the different path you took. It’ll happen! And this might not be super helpful, but if it’s meant to be….you know the rest!!

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